My name is John Williams. I am desperately asking for your help and evaluation of my current situation. Up until recently I had no home, no money and sometimes little or nothing to eat, for several days on end. My one and only true friend always did what she could to help.! But sometimes the hole we have dug ourselves into is so deep that it takes one heck of a backhoe to dig us out. I have been a landscaper all my life and recently had the opportunity to chang my current situation; and thought to be in a better position to help change the lives of others as well. I provided a great design, installation and service. Not willing to compromise my integrity any further, I was not permitted to complete the project nor was I paid the monies owed to me. I have since filed a lien for an amount in excess of $35,000.00 for services and tools kept by homeowner on her property. Once again, no money and little hope. I had been introduced to a friend of my true friend. Soon she befriended me and together with my true friend, they became one heck of a backhoe. Once again I was given hope and once again possibly in a position to help others. She gave me a place to stay and some financial support in exchange for repair to same said property. I have always tried to give others even when I had little to give. Over the last few years, during the Christmas season, I have tried to solicit from others unwanted jackets, sweaters, blankets and other warm clothing, which I would then disperse to the homeless on Christmas Day. I was never able to collect much clothing, but I collected what I could and gave all that I had. I always reminded myself that even one jacket or one blanket meant at least one person would be warmer on those cold Christmas season nights due to my efforts. Still with no money, but rich in my heart with the hopes and dreams of helping others, I have set a goal of providing assistance to 150 homeless and needy individuals. It may be a bit high but after all this is America and the only limits are the ones we impose upon ourselves. Five weeks ago I began soliciting warm clothing in preparation of Christmas Day and my visit to the homeless shelters and through the efforts of my true friends, and a few other volunteers, I began to receive a tremendous response in support of our efforts by the neighbors of my new residence. I was reminded of the true American way where neighbors help neighbors and Americans help Americans in times of need. Americans have also sometimes been the only hope for salvation of other countries as well. I was receiving many blessings and feeling oh so happy and proud to be an American and live in a country that provides us with freedom to MAKE A DIFFERENCE and help others. Last week while at the local Exxon, where I get my morning coffee, I was having a pleasant conversation with a man about the weather. I decide to introduce myself and briefly explained a little of what I was attempting to accomplish this year. He introduced himself by first name only, commended me for my efforts and then said that's how it is supposed to be. That's how George Washington wanted itto be and we believe in helping others as well. He then pointed to the ring on his finger, shook my hand and smiled. I walked away feeling so very proud that my efforts have been recognized by an individual belonging to such a great society such as his. You see, the ring he had pointed to bore the symbol of the Masonic Order. More so than ever I was determined to meet my goal. That morning I was contacted by Code Compliance. She informed me that I must remove the 6'x2' sign over my doorway and stop doing business. The sign read: "Project MAD (Make A Difference) Drop Site. Unwanted clothes, furnishings and canned goods to help the needy." Furnishings are cleaned and repaired and offered in exchange for new socks and other undergarments for the same said homeless and needy individuals. Confused and dumbfounded by her request, I calmly stated that she must have the wrong individual. I told her that I was not running a business. I was only serving as a drop site for unwanted articles which were then mended, washed and sorted in preparation of delivery to homeless and needy individuals. She once again stated that I must remove the sign and stop accepting delivery of the above mentioned articles. I agreed to immediately remove the signage, but asked her why I had to stop accepting delivery of these items, given by individuals fully aware of the homeless situation here in San Antonio and willing to do their part to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of others. I told her that my yard is kept clean, there are no disturbing situations or loud noises on my property and that all neighbors which I had talked to were in great support of my efforts and they too had offered to help in one way or another. I was not at home but invited her over for coffee and a complete inspection of the exterior and interior of the property the moment I arrived. Not willing to accept my invitation she stated a neighbor had complained and that if I accepted any more deliveries, that I could be fined in excess of $2,000.00 per incident. I told her that I had no money and could see no harm in continuing to do what I knew in my heart to be the right thing. She said that I should move to a commercially zoned area, rent a building or be fined. I guess the words "I have no money" were overheard or had little or no meaning to this city employed official of which I consider to be a fine city, the city of San Antonio, home of the Alamo, in which many neighbors joined to help defend and even in the face of death, these neighbors refused to run and continued to fight, for what they believed in their hearts to be the right thing. I also will not run and will continue this fight, not to defend the Alamo but to defend the rights of my fellow neighbors and fellow Americans the right to a hot meal, warm bed and another chance at life. Land of the FREE and home of the BRAVE. I believe in this with all my heart and from the bottom of my heart I wish to thank all those who have served in the United States armed forces in the past and those presently serving. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do. But in relation to this particular situation which I currently find myself in . . . Land of the Free and Home of the Brave, suddenly has new meaning. Although I am only accepting deliveries on my Land, it appears that our city officials have decided to take away my Freedom and the right to help others who have no Home and are forced to Brave the harsh elements of life such as long cold city nights, which pierce their bones and a tough economic crisis which causes a severe and painful hunger deep within their bellies. This is a hunger that we should all share as brothers, sisters, neighbors and fellow Americans. I only ask that you allow me to continue to do my part in helping all those in need. Because by continuing to clothe and feed the hungry and needy, I also feed the hungry need in me. Our government is presently spending billions to fight a war and to help others in a country who for the most part does not even want us there. Thousands of our American brothers and sisters have died and unfortunately thousands more will follow. may God help them, protect them and bless them! Hundreds of American Corporations spend millions upon millions each year to feed and clothe the hungry and needy of other countries. I have no money and no mode of transportation other than that which is provide by a few volunteers, but that's okay because unlike our government and American Corporations I need not go far to fight the war against homelessness and hunger, for it is not in another country but hear in my own backyard. Please help me, please help me find my way back to America for I seem to have lost my way . . . or could it be that some of our American politicians and elected officials have lost the true meaning of the AMERICAN WAY! Thank you for listening. Desperately Seeking your help! John Williams, One Man Trying To Make A Difference. P.S. I ask the San Antonio public and others nationwide to write me of any similar situations and your helpful recommendations. Sometimes we are to close to see clearly, and if my vision has become impaired in your opinion, let me know so that I may back up a bit. Christmas is now upon us, you immediate response is greatly needed. Please contact me by Blog or write me to P.O. Box 37057, San Antonio, Texas 78237 or email:
[email protected]
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